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Therapeutic community work with people who have sexually offended: responding to developments in research and practice

Richard Shuker, Lawrence Jones

Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities

ISSN: 0964-1866

Article publication date: 1 September 2021

Issue publication date: 14 October 2021

171

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the clinical approach adopted in prison-based therapeutic communities (TCs) for working with residents who have committed sexual offences. It reviews recent research and practice developments and explores the implications for TCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a “think tank” review process which explores and reviews practice. This paper discusses the current approach adopted by TCs when working with those who have sexually offended and explores changes in clinical approach which could be considered in the light of current developments.

Findings

This paper explores the implications for TCs of the recent research and wider practice developments in interventions for those who have sexually offended.

Practical implications

This paper presents clinical options for working with those who deny their offence and undertaking victim empathy and offence disclosure work. It makes recommendations regarding staff training and support. It also discusses the strengths of the TC approach and how these can be built upon.

Social implications

This paper makes recommendations concerning how practice could be improved which promotes safety and public protection and enhances resident well-being.

Originality/value

There has been no recent review of TC clinical practice for working with those who have sexually offended.

Keywords

Citation

Shuker, R. and Jones, L. (2021), "Therapeutic community work with people who have sexually offended: responding to developments in research and practice", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 42 No. 3, pp. 121-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-12-2020-0023

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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